And all change back again on Saturday, apparently, as our manager has openly mapped out his plan to rest most, if not all, tomorrow night before bringing back in a fresh, stronger 11 for the weekend Trafford v Manchester derby.
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| Etihad Stadium |
(Number correct from the starting line-up in the last game: 7/11).
Quite a few factors to weigh up here:
- Pep’s desire to respect both the competition as well as both Marseille & Olympiacos, who are still fighting it out for a Europa place in their respective, final games.
- Pep’s desire to put out a team to win all games regardless, which is often his mantra.
- A need to rest & rotate ahead of more important games…although our Spanish boss has said in the pre-match press conference that he doesn’t rotate the team. Mmmmmm…
- The participation of the youth players in the EFL Trophy the night before – Guardiola said that he would LIKE to involve some of ‘em in the squad but he’ll have to wait ‘n’ see.
Well, I can’t - I need to put this blog-posting out now and, therefore, there’ll be more room for error.
Fluid 4-1-4-1 / 4-5-1 / 4-3-3:
_____________________Jesus____________________
__Zinchenko____________________________Torres__
______________Foden_________Silva______________
__________________Fernandinho__________________
Ake_____________________________________Cancelo
_____________Laporte________Garcia______________
_____________________Steffen____________________
Subs: Ederson, Carson, Mendy, Walker, Harwood-Bellis, Stones, Rodri, Palmer, Doyle, Bernabe, Mahrez, Aguero.
I suggested it recently and I’m going for Guardiola to do it – Zack to be given some Champions League experience in net.
A return for Nathen, I’m guessing, on the far left of the defence but I think Joao might be asked to go again on the opposite flank. I’m going for Aymeric to be given his first start in 5 games in, what looks increasingly like, an issue with him falling behind John Stone due the amount of effort being displayed on the training ground; along with performances on the pitch. Eric to partner the Frenchman. Mmmmmm…
Fernandinho gets a rare 2020/21 start in front of those and in front of the Brazilian, an attacking quartet of Oleksandr in a more-advance / natural left-wing role; Ferran on the right and with a still-potent-looking Phil & Bernardo in the middle.
I think Gabriel will get another starting run-out ahead of his 10 teammates.
Ederson & Scott are the reserve keepers; Benjamin, Kyle, Taylor & John the defensive replacement options from ‘the 12’. Rodders, Cole, Tommy, Adrian, Riyad & quite-possibly Sergio are the midfield / wing / attacking back-ups sitting on the side.
Notable absences:
- Ruben Dias – Not selected / rested.
- Ilkay Gundogan – Not selected / rested.
- Kevin De Bruyne – Not selected / rested.
- Raheem Sterling – Not selected / rested.
Do I agree with Pep’s (predicted) line-up?
For this one & circumstance, that’s fine by me.
Result? Draw.
Last season’s, corresponding pre-match prediction and result…
Prediction: N/A
Result: N/A
Expected weather conditions during the game: After rain will have fallen in the area almost non-stop for almost 1-½ days up to a few hours before the start of the game; the match itself is forecasted to be dry. Cold though – we are approaching the middle of December – at around 3 to 4C.
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